8:30am – 9:00am
Registration and Breakfast

Kick off the day with a continental breakfast and networking opportunities.

9:00am – 9:10am
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Hear warm welcomes from Director Rob Jeffreys of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and Commissioner John Albin of the Nebraska Department of Labor.

9:10am – 9:45am
Keynote Address: Reimagining Second Chances

John Koufos, a renowned expert in reentry and second chance hiring, will deliver an inspiring keynote address. He will share insights on the power of second chances and the importance of creating pathways to economic mobility for individuals with criminal records.

9:45am – 10:30am
Barriers and Opportunities to Improving Economic Mobility

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center will present a comprehensive analysis of regulatory and statutory barriers to employment and economic mobility in Nebraska. Learn about innovative strategies implemented in other states to address similar challenges.

10:30am - 10:45am
Break

Take a short break to recharge and network with fellow attendees.

10:45am – 12:00pm
Pathways to Second Chance Employment

Join a panel discussion featuring experts from leading employers, workforce development organizations, and individuals with lived experience. Explore the critical role of second chance employers and workforce development programs in fostering successful reentry.

12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch and Networking

Enjoy a delicious lunch and continue networking with attendees from diverse backgrounds and expertise.

1:00 pm – 1:30pm
Transform Nebraska and the 5-Keys Model

Learn about the 5-Keys Model for Reentry, a transformative approach implemented by the Department of Correctional Services to support successful reintegration.

1:30pm – 2:45pm
Highlighting Successful Reentry Workforce Initiatives

Hear from leading workforce development and job training providers across Nebraska. Learn about their innovative programs and strategies to help individuals with criminal records overcome barriers and achieve economic stability.

2:45pm – 3:00pm
Break

Take a short break to recharge and network with fellow attendees.

3:00pm – 4:15pm
Table Talk Discussions

Engage in interactive discussions with peers to explore strategies for improving job readiness, overcoming barriers to employment, and fostering employer collaboration.

4:15pm – 4:30pm
Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Learn about the next steps for NDCS Reentry 2030 and opportunities for continued collaboration.

Reentry 2030 a national initiative uniting leaders across the country — at the state and local levels and across justice, workforce, health, and housing sectors — to improve reentry success for people with criminal records.

Led by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, Correctional Leaders Association, and JustLeadershipUSA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Second Chance Act.

Nebraska was the fourth state in the nation to launch the Reentry 2030 initiative and is committed to setting bold, meaningful, and transparent reentry goals. While tracking our progress on outcomes to drive systemic changes. 

Click here to read the News Release

Our Goals

REENTRY SUCCESS

• Increase reentry success rate from 72.2% to 83%

EDUCATION

• 30% increase in GED completion during incarceration
• 15% increase in GED proctors
• 50% Increase college coursework enrollment

PROGRAMMING

• 50% increase utilization of tablet programming
• 25% increase in participation in Vocational and Life Skills (VLS) programming

HEALTH

• 100% of incarcerated individuals will be enrolled in Medicaid or informed how to access healthcare benefits

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS

• 100% of incarcerated individuals will have a state identification and birth certificate prior to discharge

EMPLOYMENT

• 90% of released individuals will be gainfully employed within 30 days of parole placement

COLLABORATION

• NDCS will develop a systemic approach to reentry through the creation of a statewide Nebraska Reentry Council. The statewide reentry council will be comprised of public, private, and service provider entities. The Nebraska Reentry Council will expand partnerships to connect previously incarcerated individuals to community reintegration enterprises throughout the state.

TRANSFORM Nebraska is an integrated framework which prioritizes the holistic development and well-being of incarcerated individuals, recognizing that successful reintegration into society requires addressing various factors contributing to criminal behavior. This integrated approach encompasses educational opportunities, vocational training, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and life skills development. By incorporating multiple dimensions of rehabilitation, TRANSFORM Nebraska aims to address the complex needs of individuals within the correctional system, promoting personal growth, behavior change, and ultimately reducing recidivism rates. The framework fosters collaboration among different departments, agencies, and community organizations to ensure a seamless delivery of services and support throughout an individual's incarceration and transition back into society.

5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-being Development™

The 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-being Development™ is a transformative approach to rehabilitative services built on the fundamental belief that every individual has within themselves the strengths necessary to become the best version of themselves. This model indicates that healthy thinking patterns, effective coping strategies, meaning work trajectories, positive relationships and positive social engagement are key components of well-being for any individual; and when included as a part of the reentry process, has the ability to increase an individual’s likelihood of reintegration success.

The Healthy Thinking Pattern Key recognizes that how we think, feel and communicate can be barriers to effectively interacting with others. Skill building in this area can increase success in family relationships including parenting, interacting with employers and co-workers, coping with challenges, and making effective decisions.

Humans need social support to thrive, and this key encourages participants to consider what support they need to create their desired future, how to obtain this support based on their past successful relationships, and ways to strengthen skills needed to create new positive relationships.

This key considers the importance of living a life that supports balance through pro-social support, activities, and positive productivity. A person involved in their community, engaged with pro-social activities and people, has greater opportunity for success and a support system. 

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A large part of successful reentry is finding employment that both meets the financial needs of the household, and is meaningful to the worker. This key prepares participants to find a job that puts them on a trajectory for a meaningful career.

Effective Coping Strategies recognizes that stress, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed have the potential to sabotage even the best plans.  Creating strategies that build on experiences and strengths prepare participants of this program for the feelings that come with challenges and ensures that they have tools to stay away from things that can divert from goals, values, and the preferred future.